Abstract
Recently, increasing attention has been paid to the welfare of farm animals, which have been evaluated using behavioral and physiological measures. However, so far, the measures have almost always been used to estimate poor welfare. In this review, firstly we focus on how oxytocin (OT) relates to positive social behavior, pleasure, and stress tolerance, and second on which management factors stimulate OT release. OT induces maternal and affiliative behaviors and has an anti-stress effect. Further, OT is produced during enjoyable events, and has positive feedback on its own release as well. Therefore, to some extent, the relationship of OT to positive normal behavior was mutually beneficial—heightened OT concentration owing to comfortable rearing conditions induces positive social behavior, which in turn may increase OT concentration. Hence, studies on animal welfare should pay more attention to increasing comfort and the stress tolerance, rather than only focusing on when stress occurs in farm animals.
Highlights
The topic of animal welfare has been paid more and more attentions
In order to improve the welfare of farm animals, studies have been carried out using several methods, including behavioral and physiological measures
Affiliative behavior and positive social interaction have been used as good welfare indicators
Summary
The topic of animal welfare has been paid more and more attentions. In order to improve the welfare of farm animals, studies have been carried out using several methods, including behavioral and physiological measures. It was reported that hormone oxytocin (OT) mediate the affiliative and social behaviors related to good welfare mentioned above, and responses to pleasurable events [7,8].
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